According to Oregon State University and Portland State University researchers say the experiment confirmed that a so-called micro-algae diatom help the dye-sensitized solar cell power output is three times more.
Engineers said the review through the capture diatoms outside of the thin film solar cell layer nano-holes in the light, this battery can be retrieved more sub incident, which substantially improved the efficiency of electricity generation.
"In our system, the photon in the formation of diatom shell holes with bounce," Oregon State University professor Greg Rorrer said, "This will enhance their energy efficiency three times higher than conventional systems."
In contrast to the case of silicon solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cell with thin film materials used in low-light conditions with the advantage of more environmentally friendly. However, the silicon solar cell conversion efficiency as high as 20%, than the dye-sensitized solar cell conversion efficiency of 10% twice higher.
Therefore, if the material allows the use of diatoms dye-sensitized solar cell efficiency of three times, then we will be able to provide a lower cost silicon solar cells with considerable efficiency, in particular, is that it can work in low light conditions.
The technology is still in an experimental stage, is expected to be its manufacturing cost than the traditional dye-sensitized solar cells higher. However, Rorrer that enhance the high-conversion efficiency that is sufficient to compensate the increased costs. As the photons bounce in the hole in which dye molecules get more energy, a substantial increase in probability, in order to release more electronic.
Next, these engineers also intends diatoms measured only by a single solar cell composed by the micro-efficiency. In addition, due to the efficiency of these materials have not been commercialized to the extent practical, therefore, they are also planning to carry out the best of this material.
Source: windosi.com Jun. 6, 2009
Diatom material to improve the efficiency of solar cells three times
Solar cells in 2008 shipments in Japan hit record high
According to the Japanese Association of solar power (JPEA) 3 released statistics show that year 2008 (April 2008 -2009 in March) in Japan the world's solar cell shipments (domestic + exports) by 23% year to 1.12 million 521KW, record a record high. Among them, the result of Japan's domestic solar power generation equipment into the system of this grant (2009) the road in January in Japan's domestic demand driven by shipments of 13% to the year 230,000 6,787 KW; export volume also increased 26% year to 880,000 3,734 KW.
JPEA and at the same time Japan's January-March this year the global shipments of solar cells by 11% to the year 240,000 4,281 KW. Among them, Japan's domestic shipments by 18% in 70000 to 3,268 KW, founding in 2006 January to March to a record high; exports due to the deteriorating economic downturn led to the demand for the European market by 19% in the year 170,000 to 1,013 KW, which in Europe by 21.0 percent, also in North America by 2.7%.
Japanese solar cell manufacturers, including Sharp Corp., Kyocera and SANYO Electric and so on.
Source: windosi.com Jun. 4, 2009
Oerlikon systems with nano-SOLARIS enter the field of crystalline silicon solar cells
A few days ago, Oerlikon Systems demonstrated the first production of a revolutionary solution SOLARIS, it simplifies the crystalline silicon solar cell manufacturing. Oerlikon Systems business unit in charge of Dill said: "The trick is to us a wealth of high-yield deposition equipment to the optical disk (CD / DVD / Blu-ray) experience with our leading combination of nano-coating technology." This led to the first applicable to large-scale production of nano-machines, single substrate. Crystalline silicon solar business of Oerlikon Systems now is the SOLARIS system aimed at the first market.
Production costs of solar cells depends not only on efficiency, but also on the productivity of manufacturing technology. Oerlikon Systems competent Dill said: "If we want to significantly reduce the cost of solar energy to reach grid parity, not only to improve the battery itself, but must re-examine the production." Coating existing standard crystal solar cells using sophisticated production methods process of cleaning and maintenance of a high artificial requirements.
With these compared to traditional processes, SOLARIS system uses advanced nano-technology. Oerlikon Systems competent Dill said: "With SOLARIS, the first time, we adopt advanced technology to produce nano-crystalline solar cells. SOLARIS production of solar cells have great advantages. First of all, SOLARIS size of 2.0 x 3.3 meters, more than a similar solution to save the 80% of the area. Secondly, the fully automatic solution only minimum maintenance. Third, SOLARIS significantly reduces energy consumption (about 50%). Finally, a substantial increase in maintenance requirements to reduce the normal execution time. SOLARIS the benefits are obvious. This is a revolutionary concept of the solar cell manufacturing - the first of many to use the new system to achieve the clean technology. "
The first solar cell customers (a leading manufacturer of solar cells) is currently being tested for production of SOLARIS.
Source: windosi.com Jun. 2, 2009
LDK will be involved in the construction of five solar power plants in Italy
Chinese solar wafer maker LDK Solar 26 announced, the company has with the leader in solar system integration ESPE Srl have entered into contracts in the Apulia region of Italy to build five solar power plants, power plants have been the first to start.
Under the agreement, LDK Solar will provide a silicon wafer, and the ESPE Srl will be responsible for engineering, procurement, construction services and systems integration.
Source: windosi.com May. 31, 2009
